Genesis 28:12

Authorized King James Version

And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיַּחֲלֹ֗ם

H2492

And he dreamed

properly, to bind firmly, i.e., (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream

וְהִנֵּ֤ה

H2009

lo!

סֻלָּם֙

H5551

and behold a ladder

a stair-case

מֻצָּ֣ב

H5324

set up

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

אַ֔רְצָה

H776

on the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְרֹאשׁ֖וֹ

H7218

and the top of it

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

מַגִּ֣יעַ

H5060

reached

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

הַשָּׁמָ֑יְמָה

H8064

to heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְהִנֵּה֙

H2009

lo!

#10

מַלְאֲכֵ֣י

H4397

and behold the angels

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

#11

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#12

עֹלִ֥ים

H5927

ascending

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#13

וְיֹֽרְדִ֖ים

H3381

and descending

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#14

בּֽוֹ׃

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ John 1:51 John 1:51
And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
— Angels ascending and descending
² Hebrews 1:14 Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
— Ministering spirits

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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